San Antonio Spurs Receive: G Zach LaVine, F Chandler Hutchison, CHI 2022 2nd Round Pick

Chicago Bulls Receive: G Lonnie Walker IV, G Patty Mills, F Luka Samanic, SAS 2021 1st Round Pick, SAS 2023 1st Round Pick 

Over the years, Zach LaVine has been getting better and better as an all-around player and is an All-Star level talent, but because the Bulls have been so bad over the years, LaVine has not received the recognition he deserves. Last season, the 25-year old wing averaged 25.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists and shot 45% from the floor, 38% from three-point range.

So far this season in 14 games, LaVine is averaging 28.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and is shooting 51.5% from the floor, 43.1% from three-point range. He is a three-level scorer who can score from the perimeter all the way to the paint and is a freak athlete who can push the ball in transition.

One thing that has made the Spurs so good this season is because they have numerous guys who can score and be reliable offensive players. They currently have 8 players averaging double-digit scoring and this team is led by DeMar DeRozan. 

Outside of DeRozan though, this team does not have that elite-level “go-to” secondary-scoring option like other playoff contenders do. LaMarcus Aldridge is still a great player, but he is not the elite-level player he once was. 

Lonnie Walker IV and Patty Mills have been key impact players for San Antonio this season, but adding Zach LaVine to this roster brings a new dynamic to this team. Not only would they have a lot of firepower on the offensive-end of the court, but they would definitely be a team that others would not want to see in the postseason. 

Trading away Zach LaVine may not be ideal for the Bulls, but long-term, they could end up getting some great players to build an all-around sustainable, contending team. With that being said, let’s take a look at why exactly this trade benefits both Chicago and San Antonio.